"We have enormous respect for Chelsea, but this is a chess match," Fluminense coach Renato said before the semifinal on 8/7. "You can be sure it will be a tense game with very few chances. The team that capitalizes on the details will win."

Coach Gaucho speaks ahead of the Fluminense - Chelsea match on 8/7. Photo: Globo

Coach Gaucho speaks ahead of the Fluminense - Chelsea match on 8/7. Photo: Globo

Renato aims to neutralize Chelsea's key players while maintaining Fluminense's possession-based style. He also emphasized the importance of patience and managing energy in the heat.

"Controlling possession will be crucial, especially at 3 p.m. when the match starts. The heat is unbearable. If you have to constantly chase the opponent and don't have control of the ball, you'll exhaust yourself," Renato added.

Fluminense has been one of the biggest surprises of the Club World Cup. Initially given a 0.05% chance of winning, the Brazilian team advanced from the group stage, defeating Inter 2-0 in the round of 16 and Al Hilal 2-1 in the quarterfinals. Renato's tactical flexibility has been instrumental, particularly his use of a three-center-back formation against Inter.

In contrast, Chelsea's path has been less challenging. Finishing second in Group D behind Flamengo, the English side beat Benfica 4-1 in the round of 16 and Palmeiras 2-1 in the quarterfinals. Avoiding Bayern and the "group of death" facilitated their progress.

Financially, Renato acknowledged Fluminense's underdog status compared to giants like Chelsea. Consequently, he is focused on maximizing his players' potential.

"Fluminense's financial scale is only 10% of the big clubs. These clubs have all the resources to sign the best players. What got Fluminense to the semifinals is our attitude on the pitch, our focus, attention, and hard work," Renato added.

Meanwhile, Chelsea coach Enzo Maresca praised the quality of Brazilian teams. Fluminense will be the third Brazilian team Chelsea has faced in the tournament, following a 3-1 group stage loss to Flamengo and a 2-1 quarterfinal victory over Palmeiras.

"Fluminense has played very well. They have top-quality players, including in defense. So, it will be a difficult match," Maresca predicted.

Coach Maresca cautious ahead of the Fluminense - Chelsea match on 8/7. Photo: AFP

Coach Maresca cautious ahead of the Fluminense - Chelsea match on 8/7. Photo: AFP

The winner of Fluminense - Chelsea will face the winner of PSG - Real (taking place on 9/7) in the final. Fluminense is the only South American representative remaining in the semifinals, alongside three European teams.

Fluminense qualified as the 2023 South American champions, while Chelsea and Real Madrid won the European titles in 2021, 2022, and 2024, respectively. PSG won the European title last season but qualified for this tournament as one of the UEFA teams with the highest four-year accumulated points total. With their title win in May, PSG secured qualification for the next tournament in 2029.

Thanh Quy (according to ESPN)